1. Much cheaper
2. Wort chiller easier to clean (I can see the GF getting really dirty)
3. When used with the Bulldog Sparg tank, the pump allows simple sparging

3 brews in, I'm happy with the decision. Would have liked the GF, but couldn't justify the extra cash.

Been brewing with GF for 18 months and not had a problem with the CFC getting dirty. You do need to clean it though after each brew, (I clean mine before each brew also) by recirculating with their or PBW cleaner

I doubt there would be an issue with the GF chiller, it's just a CFC and they're very easy to clean. Used a GF yesterday for the first time, impressed, all very easy. However the mobile app seems a bit buggy and wanted to set the unit to the wrong temperature on multiple occasions (had imported a recipe from Beersmith).

Andy wrote:I doubt there would be an issue with the GF chiller, it's just a CFC and they're very easy to clean. Used a GF yesterday for the first time, impressed, all very easy. However the mobile app seems a bit buggy and wanted to set the unit to the wrong temperature on multiple occasions (had imported a recipe from Beersmith).

Were you using the Apple version or the Android version? The latter is a known disaster and is being re-written. I've recently been testing the Beta version and it seems fine. Official release due in a week or so. Can't speak for the Apple offering though, never used it.

For me it was the new controller and the build quality that convinced me to pay extra for the Grainfather over the Bulldog Brewer. I've done three brews now (two with stepped mashes) having pre-programmed the recipe for each through the online recipe builder. I can just set it to go and receive a reminder when I need to sparge or add hops etc. which makes brewing with a toddler much easier than with my old 3 tier setup (no more decoction mashes!). The quality of beer is much better than my old system as I can get much clearer wort into the FV and have also seen an increase in my mash efficiency. The build quality appeared to be superior on the Grainfather when I compared them side-by-side in the LHBS, but the Bulldog Brewer is still a great piece of kit for the price. Very impressed so far and don't regret paying the extra £200.

BackO'Th'Shed wrote:For me it was the new controller and the build quality that convinced me to pay extra for the Grainfather over the Bulldog Brewer. I've done three brews now (two with stepped mashes) having pre-programmed the recipe for each through the online recipe builder. I can just set it to go and receive a reminder when I need to sparge or add hops etc. which makes brewing with a toddler much easier than with my old 3 tier setup (no more decoction mashes!). The quality of beer is much better than my old system as I can get much clearer wort into the FV and have also seen an increase in my mash efficiency. The build quality appeared to be superior on the Grainfather when I compared them side-by-side in the LHBS, but the Bulldog Brewer is still a great piece of kit for the price. Very impressed so far and don't regret paying the extra £200.

Yes, the GF is a great piece of kit. Now if only they could get the App straightened out

Orwell wrote:I have just bought the GF and a 15L AG kit from my LHBS for £675
I may have got it a little cheaper had I shopped around but I do like to support a local business.

Congrats n Happy brewing..

ist update for months n months.. Fermnting: not a lot..Conditioning: nowtMaturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the storeComing Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate